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Rumors have not impacted Newton's Heisman bid. Yet.

The Heisman Trophy is college football's most prestigious trophy, so the editors here at Athlon take the voting for the 13.5-inch, 25-pound award very seriously. Each week, the ballots are collected and tallied from inside the walls of Athlon Sports. Each voter may vote for five players (unlike the official three) and a first place vote is worth 5 points, a second is worth 4 points so and so forth down to the fifth place vote earning 1 point.

Mississippi State boosters and Florida professors posed a bigger threat to Newton's Heisman bid this week than the UTC Mocs' defense. The Auburn quarterback posted his career high in passing yards with 317 this weekend. He added five total touchdowns and 24 yards rushing. Again, his recruitment, academic standing at Florida and path to the Plains are clearly the story for a player who is the top choice for the stiff-arm trophy.

What's Next: The Georgia Bulldogs come calling this weekend, and Auburn can clinch a trip to Atlanta with a win. So there is plenty on the line on the field this weekend — if he can stay focused off of it.

2. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon (28 pts, 0 first place votes)

Just another 26-carry, 121-yard, 3-TD performance for the nation's most dynamic running back. He added three receptions and 19 more yards through the air in the 53-16 obliteration of the Washington Huskies. James still leads the nation in yards rushing per game at 166.38 ypg.

What's Next: The Ducks head to Tightwad Hill this weekend where Cal has allowed a total of 34 points in four home games. In five road games, the Bears have allowed an average of 31.6 points per game. Berkeley is going to need some serious help if they expect to slow James, even if the game is at home.

3. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State (21 pts, 1 first place votes)

Moore posted a 212.1 passer rating in the Broncos' dominating win over conference contender Hawaii. Moore completed 30 of 37 passes for a ridiculous 507 yards and three scores. Moore is still on pace to post the single most efficient season by a college quarterback in history with a 192.38 passer rating. For the record, I switched my vote again to Mr. Moore. The single most efficent season by a quarterback in history?

What's Next: A trip to in-state conference foe Idaho should pose little resistence for Moore. The Boise quarterback has thrown for 509 yards, 5 TDs, 0 INTs on 45 of 63 passing in two career games against the Vandals. BSU scored 108 points in those two wins.

Athlon's editors vote on college football's most prestigious award each week. Check out this week's voting.

4. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford (10 pts)

Luck is in a group, with Brandon Weeden of Oklahoma State, Colin Kaepernick of Nevada and Terrelle Pryor of Ohio State, that is ready to pounce should Boise State, Oregon or Auburn fall victim to an upset. Luck was huge this weekend against a very good Arizona team. He threw for 299 yards and a pair of scores in the 42-17 win that could result in a Rose Bowl bid for Stanford.

What's Next: The Pac-10's most efficient passer (163.37) heads into the desert to take on the Sun Devils of Arizona State. After the Cardinal took on the league's top rush defense last week, Luck will be needed again as Stanford faces the league's No. 2 rush defense this weekend.

5. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State (6 pts)

No one has been able to stop the Cowboys' do-everything stud — except the Carrollton police force, I suppose. After a one-game suspension, Blackmon returned in full force against Big 12 South contender Baylor. He caught 13 passes for 173 yards and a TD. He also added an electrifying 69-yard TD run as well.

What's Next: With the Big 12 title on the line every week now for the Pokes, Blackmon will have to come up big against the Longhorns of Texas this weekend. The Horns have lost five games this year but are still a very talented bunch and are very capable of ruining Okie State's championship bid.

6. Denard Robinson, QB, Michigan (3 pts)
Technically, Robinson still leads the nation in rushing at 1,349 yards. Can you imagine what his total would be if he had been able to play full games against Iowa, Illinois or Michigan State?

7. Tyrod Taylor, QB, Virginia Tech (2 pts)
The ACC's most efficient passer will be a lock for ACC Player of the Year if he can keep his team unbeaten in conference play.

8. Robert Griffin, QB, Baylor (1 pt)
Despite the loss to Oklahoma State, Griffin is still one of the most important and dynamic weapons in the nation.